Mick: It's just talk

Ipswich’s Mick McCarthy

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has played down speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at his hometown club Barnsley.

The Tykes are searching for a new manager after Paul Heckingbottom took over at Leeds on Tuesday, just days after signing a new deal.

Former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy made more than 300 appearances for Barnsley during a successful six-year spell as a player.

But the 59-year-old, whose contract at Portman Road expires this summer, has not had any contact with his former club.

"I understand why I got linked with it, but I think there's a lot of ex-players that get linked there because they're former heroes of the club.

"Whether they've all had managerial experience as much as I've had, I don't know. I guess they look at me and Barnsley and think I was a good player there. It doesn't mean to say I'm going to be a good manager there. But I've had a pretty good record over the last 26 years so I understand why there's an interest."